EXPOAIR – Indoor Airborne Exposures and their Connection with the Human Chemical Exposome

Indoor air pollution, especially harmful for vulnerable populations, is partly attributed to organic contaminants.

However, compared to the inorganic fraction, organic components like particulate matter and organic chemicals are often neglected despite their association with adverse health effects.The EXPOAIR project aims to conduct a thorough chemical profiling of organic compounds in indoor environments and understand residents´ exposure.

Leveraging a unique cohort, air passive samplers will be deployed in 200 homes to comprehensively characterize airborne chemicals, while biosamples (plasma, urine, hair) will be collected from residents.

Both air and biosamples will undergo analysis using specialized chemical exposomics high-resolution mass spectrometry techniques (target and nontarget), complemented by toxicological tests based on lung cell viability, pro/anti-inflammatory potency, and oxidative stress for selected air samples.A thorough analysis of indoor households will enhance our understanding of how airborne chemicals enter our environment, aiding in identifying and quantifying harmful substances.

This knowledge can inform monitoring programs and regulatory actions, ultimately contributing to public health improvement by providing scientific evidence of airborne chemicals and their potential toxic effects on human health.